Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An image processing method, performed by at least one processor by executing a program stored in a memory, comprising: obtaining additional information; obtaining size information related to a size of an image and a size of a print medium on which at least a portion of the image is to be printed; determining positions of blocks in the image on the basis of the obtained size information; and embedding the additional information in each of the blocks of the determined positions, wherein in a case where it is determined on the basis of the obtained size information that the image is to be printed with a size larger than the print medium, positions of blocks are determined such that an edge of a block is overlaid on an edge of the print medium.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for embedding additional information into an image while ensuring proper alignment when printed on a medium of a different size. The problem addressed is the need to maintain the integrity of embedded data when an image is resized or printed on a medium that does not match the original dimensions. The method involves obtaining additional information to be embedded, along with size details of the image and the print medium. The processor then determines optimal block positions within the image based on the size comparison. If the image is larger than the print medium, the blocks are positioned such that their edges align with the medium's edges, preventing data loss. This ensures that the embedded information remains intact and correctly positioned regardless of printing constraints. The technique is particularly useful in applications requiring secure or persistent data embedding, such as document authentication or watermarking. The method dynamically adjusts block placement to accommodate size mismatches, enhancing reliability in variable printing scenarios.
2. The image processing method according to claim 1 , wherein the additional information is embedded in the entire image.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for embedding additional information within digital images. The method addresses the challenge of securely and invisibly integrating supplementary data into an image without degrading its visual quality or detectability. The technique involves embedding the additional information across the entire image, ensuring uniform distribution and resistance to tampering or removal. The embedded data may include metadata, authentication codes, or other relevant information that can be extracted later for verification, tracking, or other purposes. The method ensures that the embedded information is robust against common image manipulations such as compression, cropping, or noise addition, while maintaining imperceptibility to human observers. By distributing the data across the entire image rather than concentrating it in specific regions, the technique enhances security and reliability, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to alter or remove the embedded information without detection. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring secure data transmission, digital watermarking, or image authentication.
3. The image processing method according to claim 1 , wherein the additional information is embedded by changing values of pixels forming the data of the image according to a pattern with a predetermined periodicity.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for embedding additional information into digital images. The problem addressed is the need to conceal and transmit supplementary data within an image without significantly altering its visual appearance. The method involves modifying pixel values in a structured manner to encode the additional information while maintaining the image's perceptual quality. The core technique embeds data by altering pixel values according to a predefined periodic pattern. This pattern ensures that the modifications are distributed systematically across the image, minimizing visual artifacts. The embedding process may involve adjusting pixel intensities, color values, or other digital representations in a way that is imperceptible or minimally perceptible to human observers. The periodic pattern can be based on spatial, temporal, or frequency-domain characteristics, depending on the application. The method may also include error correction mechanisms to ensure data integrity during transmission or storage. The embedded information can later be extracted by analyzing the modified pixel values and reversing the embedding process. This approach is useful for applications such as digital watermarking, steganography, metadata storage, and secure communication. The technique balances data capacity with visual fidelity, making it suitable for scenarios where covert or auxiliary data transmission is required.
4. The image processing method according to claim 1 , wherein print setting information including the size information is obtained.
This invention relates to image processing methods for printing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately capturing and utilizing print setting information, including size data, to optimize image output. The method involves obtaining print setting information, which includes size details such as paper dimensions or print area specifications, to ensure proper scaling, positioning, and formatting of the image during printing. This information is used to adjust image processing parameters, such as resolution, cropping, or layout adjustments, to match the intended print output. The method may also involve validating the obtained size information against predefined constraints or user preferences to prevent errors or misprints. By integrating size data into the image processing workflow, the invention ensures that printed images are correctly proportioned and aligned, improving print quality and reducing waste. The method may be applied in various printing environments, including document printing, photo printing, or industrial labeling, where precise size control is critical. The invention enhances automation in print workflows by dynamically adapting image processing based on the specified print settings, eliminating manual adjustments and improving efficiency.
5. The image processing method according to claim 4 , wherein the size information is margin information of a margin in the print medium on which printing of the image is to be performed.
This invention relates to image processing methods for printing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately determining and applying margin information for print media. The method involves processing an image to be printed by incorporating size information that defines the printable area of the medium, ensuring proper alignment and avoiding unintended cropping or misalignment during printing. The size information is derived from margin data, which specifies the boundaries of the printable region on the medium, accounting for variations in media types, orientations, or custom margin settings. The method dynamically adjusts the image layout based on this margin information to optimize print quality and prevent errors. By integrating margin data into the image processing pipeline, the system ensures that the printed output adheres to the intended design while accommodating different media specifications. This approach enhances printing accuracy and reduces waste by preventing misprints due to incorrect margin handling. The invention is particularly useful in digital printing, where precise control over printable areas is critical for professional and high-quality output.
6. The image processing method according to claim 5 , wherein the margin information indicates the setting of bordered printing or borderless printing.
This invention relates to image processing methods for printing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately determining print margins to support both bordered and borderless printing modes. The method involves analyzing an input image to detect and extract margin information, which defines the boundaries for printing. This margin information is then used to adjust the image data so that it is correctly positioned within the printable area of a printing medium, whether the printing mode is bordered (with a defined margin) or borderless (extending to the edge of the medium). The system may also include a print controller that processes the adjusted image data to generate print commands for a printing device. The method ensures that printed images are properly aligned and formatted according to the selected printing mode, preventing misalignment or unintended cropping. The invention is particularly useful in digital printing systems where precise control over print margins is required to maintain print quality and consistency.
7. The image processing method according to claim 4 , wherein area information indicating a printable area corresponding to the print settings indicated by the obtained print setting information is obtained, and positions that vary depending on the printable area indicated by the obtained area information are determined.
This invention relates to image processing for printing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately determining printable areas based on print settings to optimize image placement. The method involves obtaining print setting information, which includes parameters such as paper size, orientation, and margin settings. From this, area information is derived, indicating the printable region of the medium. The system then determines positions for printing that adapt dynamically to the printable area, ensuring content is placed correctly within the available space. This includes adjusting for variations in printable regions caused by different print settings, such as custom margins or non-standard paper sizes. The method ensures that images or text are positioned accurately, avoiding issues like cropping or misalignment. By dynamically calculating positions based on the printable area, the system enhances print quality and consistency across different print jobs and settings. The approach is particularly useful in environments where print settings vary frequently, such as in office or commercial printing.
8. The image processing method according to claim 7 , wherein the area information includes information of a stable print area except a leading end and a rear end of paper.
This invention relates to image processing for printing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of optimizing print quality by managing stable print areas on paper. The method involves analyzing paper movement during printing to determine a stable print area, excluding the leading and rear ends where paper motion may be unstable. This ensures that critical image or text data is printed only within the stable region, preventing distortions or misalignments caused by paper acceleration or deceleration. The system may use sensors to detect paper position and velocity, then dynamically adjust print timing or positioning to align printed content with the stable area. By excluding the leading and rear ends from the printable region, the method improves print accuracy and consistency, particularly for high-speed or precision printing applications. The approach may integrate with existing print control systems, allowing for real-time adjustments based on detected paper motion characteristics. This solution is particularly useful in environments where paper handling variability could otherwise degrade print quality.
9. The image processing method according to claim 7 , wherein the area information is a mask image indicating the printable area.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for determining printable areas in a document or image. The method addresses the challenge of accurately identifying regions where printing is feasible, particularly in complex layouts or documents with mixed content types. The process involves generating a mask image that delineates the printable area, ensuring that only valid regions are processed for printing. This mask image is derived from analyzing the input image or document to distinguish between printable and non-printable zones, such as margins, headers, footers, or other non-content regions. The method may also include preprocessing steps to enhance image quality or extract relevant features before generating the mask. By using a mask image, the system can efficiently filter out non-printable areas, optimizing printing resources and reducing waste. The technique is particularly useful in digital printing, document management, and automated printing workflows where precise control over printable regions is required. The mask image can be dynamically adjusted based on user preferences or printing constraints, ensuring flexibility in different printing scenarios. This approach improves printing accuracy and efficiency by focusing only on the intended printable content.
10. The image processing method according to claim 1 , wherein a position of a starting point of a block is determined in the image in the determining.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for block-based image analysis or compression. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently determining the position of a starting point for a block within an image, which is critical for tasks such as image segmentation, compression, or feature extraction. The method involves analyzing the image to identify an optimal starting point for a block, ensuring that subsequent processing steps can proceed accurately and efficiently. The block may be used for various purposes, such as dividing the image into smaller regions for compression, extracting features, or performing local analysis. The determination of the starting point may involve evaluating image characteristics, such as pixel values, gradients, or other spatial features, to select a position that optimizes processing performance or accuracy. The method ensures that the block is positioned in a way that minimizes computational overhead while maintaining the integrity of the image data. This approach is particularly useful in applications where real-time processing or high efficiency is required, such as video encoding, medical imaging, or autonomous systems.
11. The image processing method according to claim 1 , wherein each of the blocks includes a marker part and a data part.
This invention relates to image processing methods for encoding and decoding data within images. The method addresses the challenge of embedding data into images in a structured and recoverable way, ensuring robustness against image distortions while maintaining visual quality. The technique involves dividing an image into multiple blocks, each containing a marker part and a data part. The marker part serves as a reference or synchronization point, enabling accurate detection and alignment of the data part during decoding. The data part stores the actual encoded information, which may include metadata, identifiers, or other payloads. The method ensures that the marker and data parts are distinguishable and resilient to common image degradations such as noise, compression, or geometric transformations. By structuring the image into these blocks, the system allows for efficient and reliable data extraction, even in challenging conditions. The approach is particularly useful in applications like digital watermarking, document authentication, and augmented reality, where embedded data must remain intact despite image processing operations. The invention improves upon prior methods by providing a more robust and structured way to encode and retrieve data from images.
12. The image processing method according to claim 1 , wherein same additional information is embedded in each of the blocks.
The invention relates to image processing techniques for embedding additional information into digital images. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently and securely embed uniform additional information across multiple blocks of an image while maintaining image quality and integrity. The method involves dividing an image into multiple blocks and embedding the same additional information into each block. This ensures consistency and redundancy, making the embedded information more robust against data loss or corruption. The embedding process may involve modifying pixel values, using steganographic techniques, or other methods to conceal the additional information within the image data. The additional information can include metadata, watermarks, or other data that needs to be associated with the image. By embedding the same information in each block, the method enhances reliability and facilitates recovery of the embedded data even if parts of the image are damaged or altered. The technique is particularly useful in applications requiring secure or tamper-evident image transmission, such as digital forensics, copyright protection, or authentication systems. The method ensures that the embedded information remains intact and retrievable, even if individual blocks are corrupted or lost.
13. The image processing method according to claim 1 , wherein in the image, each of the blocks are arranged continuously with a same size.
The invention relates to image processing techniques, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently organizing and processing image data. The method involves dividing an image into multiple blocks, where each block is of the same size and arranged continuously across the image. This structured arrangement ensures uniformity in block dimensions, facilitating consistent processing and analysis. The method may include additional steps such as encoding or decoding the image data, where the uniform block size simplifies the encoding/decoding process by standardizing the data structure. By maintaining identical block dimensions throughout the image, the method enhances computational efficiency and reduces complexity in subsequent image processing tasks, such as compression, transmission, or reconstruction. The continuous arrangement of blocks ensures seamless integration between adjacent blocks, preventing artifacts or discontinuities that could arise from irregular block sizes. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring high precision and reliability, such as medical imaging, satellite imagery, or high-definition video processing. The method may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof, depending on the specific application requirements. The uniform block size and continuous arrangement improve processing speed and accuracy, making the method suitable for real-time applications where rapid and reliable image analysis is critical.
14. The image processing method according to claim 1 , wherein, in a case where it is determined on the basis of the obtained size information that the image is to be printed with a size smaller than the print medium, positions of blocks are determined such that an edge of a block is overlaid an edge of the image.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for printing images on print media, particularly when the image size is smaller than the print medium. The problem addressed is ensuring proper alignment and presentation of the image on the print medium when the image dimensions do not match the print medium dimensions. The method involves analyzing the image size and determining optimal block positions to overlay the image edges with the print medium edges. This ensures the image is centered or aligned correctly on the print medium, preventing unwanted blank spaces or misalignment. The technique may involve dividing the image into blocks and adjusting their positions based on the size comparison between the image and the print medium. The method ensures that the image is printed in a visually pleasing and properly aligned manner, even when the image is smaller than the print medium. This approach is useful in printing applications where precise image placement is required, such as in photo printing or document formatting. The invention enhances user experience by automating the alignment process, reducing manual adjustments, and improving print quality.
15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a program which causes at least one processor of a computer to execute: obtaining additional information; obtaining size information related to a size of an image and a size of a print medium on which at least a portion of the image is to be printed; determining positions of blocks in the image on the basis of the obtained size information; and embedding the additional information in each of the blocks of the determined positions, wherein, in a case where it is determined on the basis of the obtained size information that the image is to be printed with a size larger than the print medium, positions of blocks are determined such that an edge of a block is overlaid on an edge of the print medium.
This invention relates to digital image processing for embedding additional information into images before printing, particularly when the image size exceeds the print medium dimensions. The problem addressed is ensuring that embedded data remains intact and readable even when the image is scaled down to fit the print medium, which can otherwise distort or truncate the embedded information. The system obtains additional information to be embedded, along with size details of both the image and the print medium. It then analyzes the size relationship between the image and the print medium. If the image is larger than the print medium, the system divides the image into blocks and strategically positions these blocks so that their edges align with the edges of the print medium. This ensures that when the image is scaled down to fit the print medium, the embedded data within the blocks remains fully visible and undistorted. The additional information is then embedded into each of these positioned blocks. This approach prevents data loss or corruption that would occur if the embedded information were placed in areas that would be cropped or compressed during printing. The method is implemented via a computer program stored on a non-transitory storage medium, executed by a processor to perform the described operations.
16. An image processing apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and a memory storing a program, the at least one processor by executing the program stored in a memory, obtaining additional information; obtaining size information related to a size of an image and a size of a print medium on which at least a portion of the image is to be printed; determining positions of blocks in the image on the basis of the obtained size information; and embedding the additional information in each of the blocks of the determined positions, wherein, in a case where it is determined on the basis of the obtained size information that the image is to be printed with a size larger than the print medium, positions of blocks are determined such that an edge of a block is overlaid on an edge of the print medium.
This invention relates to image processing for embedding additional information into images while ensuring proper alignment when printed on a medium of a different size. The problem addressed is the need to embed data invisibly or semi-invisibly into an image while maintaining printability, even when the image is scaled to fit a print medium of a different size. The apparatus includes a processor and memory that execute a program to obtain additional information (such as metadata, watermarks, or other data) and size information about the image and the print medium. The processor determines block positions within the image based on the size information, ensuring that the blocks are distributed appropriately. If the image is larger than the print medium, the blocks are positioned so that their edges align with the edges of the print medium, preventing truncation of the embedded data. This ensures that the additional information remains intact and correctly embedded regardless of scaling or cropping during printing. The solution is particularly useful for applications requiring robust data embedding, such as document security, copyright protection, or metadata storage.
17. The image processing method according to claim 10 , wherein, in a case where it is determined on the basis of the obtained size information that the image is to be printed with a size smaller than the print medium, a first position is determined in the image in the determining as the position of the starting point, and wherein, in a case where it is determined on the basis of the obtained size information that the image is to be printed with a size larger than the print medium, a second position different from the first position is determined in the image in the determining as the position of the starting point, such that the edge of the block is overlaid on the edge of the print medium.
This invention relates to image processing for printing, specifically addressing the challenge of aligning images with print media of different sizes. The method determines an optimal starting point for printing based on the relative sizes of the image and the print medium. When the image is smaller than the print medium, a first position within the image is selected as the starting point to ensure proper alignment. Conversely, when the image is larger than the print medium, a second, distinct position is chosen to ensure the image's edge aligns with the print medium's edge, preventing misalignment or cropping. The method dynamically adjusts the starting point to maintain consistent and accurate printing regardless of size discrepancies. This approach improves print quality by avoiding partial printing or misalignment, particularly in applications where precise image placement is critical, such as document printing or graphic design. The solution automates the alignment process, reducing manual adjustments and enhancing efficiency in printing workflows.
Unknown
July 14, 2020
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